ALTER EGO

Hard to peg this band, thus part of the reason I'm rating this CD with 4 stars. In a musical world of so much neo-prog and progressive metal (read: "DT"-influenced), this comes as a breath of fresh air. The tunes are very well-crafted, crunchy (ala Presto Ballet) and have lots of good synth work. The band hails from Germany, but I don't know much beyond that. Still, I recommend this release highly. Definitely for fans of bands like Sylvan, Riverside and Presto Ballet. I doubt you'll be disappointed.

This third release from German band Arilyn sure has some unique elements to it, although the commercial aspect of this music may not be the world's greatest.

Mixing influences from neo-prog as well as electronica pioneers such as Tangerine Dream in the use of synths, commercial rock hooks like ones made by fellow Germans Sylvan with distinct influences from progressive metal, and adding some space rock elements to the mix the tunes here - apart from the ballads - are highly intriguing and fascinating stuff. Hard to classify as such - but interesting.

Slightly weak vocals and some rather plain ballads are the sole negative aspects here; and an album worth checking out by fans of melodic rock with lots of synths and slight progressive metal influences. Personal highlights: When Worlds Collide, Alter Ego - both of them top notch tunes.